Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha
Infectious Diseases
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I started having gastrointestinal symptoms. I tested myself for COVID the last Sunday, and I was positive. I did not think I had COVID. Except for the low-grade fever, sinus drainage, and a throat tickle, I feel fine. I cough maybe two or three times, like one cough, and sometimes there is a little bit of light yellow phlegm, which I attribute to the sinus drainage. I am trying to figure out, five to six days after the first symptoms, how will COVID progress to another level? Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thanks for your query. The crucial factor is whether you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 (two primary vaccines with or without booster dose with at least about four to six weeks gap from the second primary dose to develop optimal antibody levels) and also influenza vaccine this year, mainly the former. Completion of these vaccinations prevents severe disease, although it cannot protect from the occurrence of the infection and the disease. Your symptoms are suggestive of a mixed infection COVID-19 (Omicron subvariant unless you have done triple gene test showing other variants), influenza, and maybe superimposed gastrointestinal bacterial infection on COVID-19 gastroenteritis. Kindly elaborate on your gastrointestinal issues and share your clinical reports and records to discuss further.
Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.
Thanks.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I do not have any blood work to share. I had a very loose stool, chills, and a headache six days back, but all of that resolved in less than 24 hours. The next day, I was very tired and did not suspect COVID as I had not slept well for a few nights. Four days back, I felt a little warm and took my temperature; it was 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I then took a covid test, and the positive line appeared immediately. I have taken tests each day since. Basically, at this point, I do not feel like I have anything at all, except for sinus drainage, which I have had for many years. Not short of breath, the pulse oximeter readings range between 98 and 100 %. I have a slight tickle in my throat, which rarely elicits a cough. Also, I have not been vaccinated and, to my knowledge, have not had COVID in the past. I am asking about progression because I have the opportunity to take the monoclonal antibodies, but I do not want to take them if I do not need them. Also, I do not want to use a dose that someone in need could use. I do not have any medical conditions other than being overweight. Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thanks for your input. I suggest you take the tests mentioned in my earlier message. I also suggest you not repeat COVID 19 tests every day. Have you done reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) preferably triple gene in the laboratory or a home kit rapid antigen test (RAT)? If you took the home kit RAT test, I suggest you undertake the RT-PCR test in a laboratory as the accuracy of the RAT test is low. Also, kindly get those suggested medicines and start taking them (at least the first four of them may not need a local prescription).
Additionally, for diarrhea, I suggest you add tablet Racecadotril 100 mg twice daily (after food for three to four days).
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Probable diagnosis
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Infectious Diseases
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